Greene County baseball’s regular season finale on April 18 against Hephzibah was memorable for a few reasons.
It was the team’s first home game of the season and their first in several years after the field underwent much-needed renovations. Additionally, the game marked the last for seniors KD Andrews and Jamarion Hill, who helped lead the Tigers to an exciting 15-9 win over the Rebels, coached by former assistant coach Charles West.
Greene County head coach Brad Evans was proud of his players, especially Andrews and Hill.
“I was extremely proud of the effort all the way around,” Evans said after the win. “Our seniors led the way, and their teammates followed. Everyone left all they had on the field. I really think Friday showed a glimpse of what we have brewing. It felt good to be home and playing in front of our community. I can’t thank them enough for coming to support us, and I am looking forward to the many packed home games to come.”
Hill started on the mound for Greene County, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing one run and zero hits. The Rebels made contact, but the Tiger defense backed Hill up, giving their offense an opportunity to take the lead.
Andrews was solid from behind the plate at catcher, and he also went 2-for-3 in the batter’s box with an RBI.
Hephzibah took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first before Greene County slugger Kayden Drake hit a one-out double. Jordan Walton and KD Andrews then both drew walks, loading the bases. Drake and Walton then scored as Lucas Edwards doubled to right-center field, putting the Tigers in the driver’s seat with a 2-1 lead.
Greene County got a scoreless inning from Hill in the second. He allowed an infield single but then recorded three straight outs. Hill was pulled in the top of the third with two outs for Edwards, who escaped a jam.
The bottom of the third marked when Greene County’s offense truly excelled, scoring seven additional runs to take a commanding 9-1 lead into the top of the fourth. The Tigers rattled the Hephzibah pitcher, as Andrews, Drake, Edwards, Kaden Cummings, Quincy Robins, and Justin Knight all recorded RBI hits in the frame.
Greene County’s lead was cut to 9-5 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, but its offense responded with four runs. Hephzibah then scored three in the top of the sixth before the Tigers answered with two more runs. The Rebels attempted to rally in the top of the seventh by scoring one run, but that was all they managed.
Greene County recorded 18 hits, overcoming four defensive errors and 10 walks issued by its pitchers to secure the victory.
Andrews was pleased with the result against Hephzibah, which had defeated Greene County twice earlier in the season.
“It felt great to finally play at home one last time, considering all the things about the field, but it felt even greater to come out on top,” Andrews said. “Don’t even get me started on the fans. They gave us a jolt of energy.”
Hill echoed Andrews’ sentiment about the fans.
“I was shocked at how many people came. That was the best part,” Hill said. “My appreciation goes out to Coach Evans for the blood, sweat, and tears to get the field just ready in time to at least have a game out on it. I also appreciate all the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors for helping both KD and me get one big win.”